Z_Quinn_Do we have a life purpose?

Do we have a life purpose?
by Quinn

This week I thought I'd share my own perspective of what people mean when they say 'life purpose'.

Some people have a deep inner knowing that they have a purpose to live in this life, even if they don't know what it is yet, or there are others that can't really relate to that concept or are just unsure. Neither is right or wrong. Our own unique view on this is very personal and is influenced by the many factors that shape our outlook on life. This diversity could also be viewed as necessary for balance in the world.

Let's look at some ancient traditions from around the world to see what their insights were. Firstly the Vedic tradition of ancient India talks about Dharma or more specifically Svadharma meaning 'our own life purpose or service'. The ancient scriptures say 'Every person has a purpose he is born to accomplish in life enkindled to his soul'.

"It is better to do one's own dharma, however defective it may be,
than to follow the dharma of another, however well one may perform it.
Better death in the doing of one's own dharma: the dharma of another is fraught with peril. " 
-  Bhagwad Gita

Amazonian shamanic healing work often involves restoring balance to a person who has been living out of alignment with their true nature.

Within in Taoism, according to the Tao Te Ching, the true purpose in life is to fulfil our own personal Tao, 'the natural flow of the universe'. There is an inner part of us that is connected to the eternal manifesting Tao as it expresses itself in the natural world.

There are many more examples like that from all around the world.

So are these teachings correct?

They are interesting concepts and I don't think anyone could know for sure. However, it appears for some people it is much more obvious than for others. There are many examples in the world of people that seem to have a clear direction in life to follow. For example, Mozart being born into a musical family and being immensely gifted from a young age or many others artists that seem to be just born with talent without having to be taught, as if it's just within them. However, this innate talent commonly has to be mastered through hours of diligent practice.

Another interesting example of a person that seems to have a destiny is the Dalai Lama. He was recognised as the reincarnation of the previous Dalai lama as a very young child, following a lineage identified by scholars of that tradition.

Now, of course, we can take the perspective that destiny unfolded for these individuals as a result of their upbringing, influencing their development and hence became the specific person because of those factors.

However, in some cases upbringing can also work in a detrimental way. For example, the farmer's son who wants to go to university to study but is not encouraged and instead is given the farm run. This person may then go on to live a life of resentment because they feel unfulfilled. Another example could be being born into the caste system in Indian or other parts of the world where by your economic status influences and often limits the options for life.

For many of us our life path is often unclear and something we have to work out with trial and success. It is very natural for there to be many stages in our unfolding life journey.

Signs

I feel there are many signs to look out for that can be helpful indicators if we are living in alignment with our true nature or really following our passions. We may not experience these all the time but they often feature at many different stages of a particular path.

• A feeling of lightness in your body
• A feeling of your heart singing
• Excitement and enthusiasm
• A natural drive and motivation
• A feeling of peace and contentment
• Feeling that everything you're experiencing is just perfect and exactly the way it is meant to be
• Experiencing synchronicities in your life that bring clarification, validation and meaning, you feel you’re in the right place at the right time even in very difficult circumstances

Our feelings are usually an excellent barometer for guidance in life. However there are times when our feelings can get the better of us and hinder our growth if we let them. The perfect example of this is fear.

How many times have you not done something because you feared the outcome or the change it would bring even if you knew it was in your best interests?

For example, the artist that never picks up his paint brush because he fears he'll fail in his work or the office worker that gets a promotion but doesn't take the position because he fears the new responsibilities and challenges it may bring.

As we journey through life our development often involves accepting challenges that help us grow and evolve.

The fear of social rejection is a major stumbling block for many on their path to unfolding their true gifts. This is very much tied to our ancestral need for belonging in our tribe that assisted our survival in the past.

I think many people are put off by the term 'life purpose' or they don't see it as realistic because they expect it to mean that we all have some grandiose destiny to fulfil with a dramatic or adventure like tale to it. However I feel that everyday positions in life each have their perfect place for someone.

For example, being the best father or mother you can be to raise a healthy child so he/she can grow up with wisdom, respect, appreciation and awareness is an amazing purpose to fulfil. Or being the best teacher you can be as a solid role model, to inspire and motivate your students to really fulfil their potential. The vital role of being a companion to another person in their life so you can both share more enjoyment and growth must never be underestimated.

Exercise

If you feel you have a purpose but just don't know how to find out what it could be, here are some things to consider. Write down as many answers as you can think of to the following questions. One answer may fit under more than one question.

• What are your skills, character strengths or your talents?
• What do you enjoy doing or are passionate about?
• How can you contribute a service to others?
• What would you ideally like to do if you could dream of anything?

Now look at the lists of answers and notice where you have the same answer under multiple questions. These will be the ones to really focus as they may be most in alignment with who you are. Commonly, as we engage in following our path, the resources and circumstances begin to support our progress as the reward for stepping forward on our path.

Here are my examples:

My guitar playing is a strength I have, I love playing the guitar. I can play music for people so that is a service and I have dreamed of playing the guitar in my life, so I do. Guitar playing is definitely a part of my life purpose.

My painting is a strength I have, I enjoy painting. I can create paintings for people to see and enjoy and I have dreamed of being an artist, so I am. Creating artwork is definitely a part of my purpose.

Learning and understanding natural health principles is a strength I have, I am passionate about the subject. I have found great personal support in applying these principles. I can serve others by sharing the information and being a teacher is something I have dreamed of, so I am. Developing Soul Integrity is definitely a part of my purpose.

So in conclusion, I do believe we have a purpose to fulfil, however I feel that our ability to really sense what it is can be greatly influenced by our level of health, awareness, perception and introspection. I also feel co creation with the universe is very important, whereby we co create our own reality based on our thoughts and actions.

Thoughts to ponder....
When you've reach your ripe old age and your sitting in your rocking chair looking back on your life, and you ask yourself, 'Did I go for it? Did I take the opportunities presented to me? Did I live my life? How will you answer?

©Quinn Bluewood, Soul Integrity Ltd

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The information shared does not replace any medical advice, it is intended for educational and awareness purposes only. Full responsibility remains with each individual for the decisions made about their own health and life.